The community that had Zimmerman as a crime watch program captain could end up paying for this

[WinniSkipper]

78. But lots of HOAs (and other places) have Watches in place

Hi Durham

...and lots of Neighborhood Watch programs do have "captains" or community representatives that are the "lead contact" for community and police. We have one in our neighborhood. I am guessing other people do too. The Watch programs have scheduled meetings with the PD.

They are, or course, advised never to pursue, confront, or interact with a suspicious person. Use the non-emergency police number and report it. I don't see anything inherently wrong with your point number 1. These organizations are (at least in our case) fully known to police, and so are the contacts. We have meetings with the police a couple times a year.

I think there would be a huge difference if the newsletter said "the Captain is responsible for patrolling and confronting all suspicious activity within the community". I am assuming the newsletter didn't say that.

Why am I writing this? It's certainly not out of concern for Zimmerman. As our neighborhood has become less safe in the last few years (budget cuts have reduced patrols, and a vey high level city official moved from across the street), the neighborhood watches have become very important where I live. We actually just had a break in rapist caught because a year ago, at the recommendation of the police, a neighbor installed some outside security cameras. Guy was caught a few days later. My concern is - as budget cuts decimate police departments - without the Watch programs - you are likely to have MORE vigilantism rather than less. Watch programs were never intended to act as a substitute for police - as proactive eyes on a particular area.

If the HOA acted in anyway to "deputize" Zimmerman, there would be an issue. In fact - the biggest issues here (in addition to Zimmerman) are the police (chief) and DA and what seems to be a good ole boy fiefdom.

I completely agree with point number 2.

Thanks for listening